The King's Speech: King Charles III

King Charles III has made his first address following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

In a pre-recorded speech broadcast at 6pm Friday (local time) and 3am Saturday (AEST) said The Queen had been an inspiration to him and all his family.

“We owe her the most heart-felt debt any family could owe to their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example,” King Charles III said.

He said hers was a life well-lived, and she is mourned most deeply.

“That promise of lifelong service, I renew to all today. Alongside the personal grief that all my family are feeling, we also share with so many of you in the United Kingdom, in all the countries where the Queen was head of state – in the Commonwealth and across the world – a deep sense of gratitude for the more than 70 years in which my mother as Queen served the people of so many nations.

He spoke of her words during a broadcast in 1947 on her 21^st birthday during which she pledged to devote her life, whether it be short of long, to the service of her peoples.

“That was more than a promise, it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty. Her dedication and devotion as sovereign never wavered through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss,” the new King said.

He spoke of her warmth, humour and ability to always see the best in people and said he shared the world’s sense of loss “beyond measure”.

He explained how Britain and the world had changed during Queen Elizabeth’s reign but “our values have remained and must remain constant”.

“The role and the duties of monarchy also remain, as does the sovereign’s particular relationship and responsibility towards the Church of England, a church in which my own faith is so deeply rooted,” he said.

“As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself throughout the remaining time God grants me to uphold the constitutional principals at the heart of our nation.

“Wherever you may live in the United Kingdom or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love as I have throughout my life.”

Changing roles

He said his life would change as he took up his new responsibilities and the work he has done with charities and issues which are important to him will “go on in the trusted hands of others”.

King Charles III said it would be a time of change for his family and he would count on the “loving help of my darling wife, Camilla” who will become his Queen Consort.

His heir William now assumes the Scottish titles, which have meant a great deal to the new King, becoming the Duke of Cornwall and Prince of Wales.

“With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversation, helping to bring the marginal to the centre-ground where vital help can be given,” he said.

“I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.”

King Charles III said Queen Elizabeth’s loss was being felt around the world.

“On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express,” he said.

“To my darling MaMa, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late PaPa, I want simply to say this … thank you, thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May flights of angels see thee to thy rest.”